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Council OKs Watt Street restrictions

CHILLICOTHE - Several Watt Street residents turned out at the Chillicothe City Council's Monday night meeting in anticipation of the passage of legislation that, when enacted, will make their neighborhood a bit quieter and safer.

On its final reading, council members unanimously approved an ordinance that will restrict multi-axle, semi truck traffic from using a section of South Watt Street from East Main Street to the railroad tracks on South Watt Street. The road in that area, which is only 30 feet wide and is open to two-way traffic, has been deemed unsafe for the heavy truck traffic.

"All the people on Watt Street, we appreciate you and all you have done," Watt Street resident Elsie Glandon told council members. "You listened to us as citizens, you listened to what we had to say and you helped us, and I want to thank you for all of us."

Other residents approached individual council members to express appreciation after the meeting.

Nearly two dozen residents attended a council Engineering Committee session last March, during which they expressed several concerns ranging from the sounds of heavy truck traffic around the clock to the rumbling of passing trucks cracking walls and ceilings to fears of children being struck or cars sideswiped because the road was not wide enough.

As part of the legislation approved Monday, permanent signs informing drivers of the restriction will be placed in the area of South Watt Street, including at the intersection of Main and Watt streets.

Mayor Luke Feeney said the action likely will not end traffic discussions regarding Watt Street.

"I think we can resolve some of the traffic issues a little more permanently with the passing of this legislation," he said. "I believe it's the intent to continue looking at traffic flow in that neighborhood to continue to resolve issues that all property owners have — residents and businesses — but I think this is the first step in that direction."

In other news:

The council approved a $14,100 appropriation for placement of two street lights on Stoneridge Drive, accepting a $1,500 donation from The Reserves Condominium Association to help with the cost.

The council waived the three-read rule to reassign $40,000 in Ross County Land Bank funds that will allow for funding of a director of development position for this year. The part-time position will not only help with land bank administration, but also will actively seek out and pursue grant funding for other city operations.

The council established a fire and smoke damper inspection program for city-owned buildings, filling a safety need that previously was not being addressed.

Councilman Joel Fleurima announced there will be a 6 p.m. Wednesday meeting of the Safety-Service Committee in council chambers, 26 S. Paint St., to discuss numbers for the police and fire dispatch center and to hear a presentation from Fire Chief Jeff Creed regarding a grant.